Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns exercise apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns an exercise device for weight training. The invention also concerns adjusting the weight of an exercise device. The invention provides an exercise device comprising a resiliently deformable tube and a removable weight. The removable weight is removably engaged with an inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube by one or more formations.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of PCT application

Serial Number PCT/GB2012/050847, filed on Apr. 17, 2012, which claims the benefit of GB application Serial Number 1106602.4, filed on Apr. 19, 2011, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns exercise apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns an exercise device for weight training. The invention also concerns adjusting the weight of an exercise device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weight training is typically performed using either dumbbells or barbells. The dumbbells and barbells comprise metal bars onto which metal weight plates are secured using screw or spring collars. It is not uncommon for these collars to become loose, with the possibility that the weight plates may fall off during exercise, causing injury to the exerciser or others. This is particularly true when functional training techniques are being performed, in which the weight bars often leave the horizontal orientation. Alternative weight training equipment, designed specifically for functional weight training, is disclosed in International Patent Application Number PCT/CA2007/001503, the contents of which are incorporated herein. This application discloses a resiliently deformable tube that is currently sold by the applicant under the ViPR <®> trade mark. A user may grip the tube by one or more handles and perform many functional weights exercises. The tube is resiliently deformable, which makes it comfortable to use and reduces the chance of injury or property damage should the tube be dropped accidentally. If a user wants to exercise using a heavier or lighter weight, they may use a tube that weighs more or less respectively, provided they have access to the different variations of tube weight. Therefore, in order to provide maximum flexibility, and allow different ability users to use different weight tubes, a gymnasium must purchase and store many different sized tubes.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved exercise device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides, according to a first aspect, an exercise device comprising: a resiliently deformable tube; and a removable weight; wherein the removable weight is removably engaged with an inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube by one or more formations. The formations may be formed on the removable weight or inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube.

Advantageously, the weight of the exercise device according to this aspect of the invention may be adjusted by removing the removable weight. The weight of the exercise device may be adjusted by removing the removable weight from the resiliently deformable tube and replacing it with a heavier or lighter removable weight. The weight of the exercise device may be adjusted by engaging a further removable weight with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube. Advantageously, the exercise device requires no further means to engage with the removable weight. The inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube may engage with and entirely support the removable weight.

The one or more formations may be a screw thread. The inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube may comprise an internal thread. The outer surface of the removable weight may comprise an external thread. The outer surface of the removable weight may include a projection configured for removable engagement with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube. The inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube may include a groove arranged to receive and engage with a projection from the outer surface of the removable weight. The groove may be a helical groove. The inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube may include a projection for removable engagement with the outer surface of the removable weight. The outer surface of the removable weight may include a groove arranged to receive and engage with a projection from the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube.

The removable weight may be removably engaged with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube by virtue of a rotational motion. The groove may prevent the removable weight being inserted within and engaged with the resiliently deformable tube more than a limited distance. The groove may be arranged to reduce in diameter such that as the removable weight is rotated into the resiliently deformable tube, a tight fit between the resiliently deformable tube and the removable weight is created.

The projection may comprise an expander element arranged to bias the projection against the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube. The expander element may be a spring.

The removable weight may be cylindrical. The removable weight may be a hollow cylinder. The removable weight may be tapered, for example, frustroconical, in order to allow easy insertion into the resiliently deformable tube. The removable weight may be tapered such that it may only be inserted a certain distance into the resiliently deformable tube. The removable weight may be entirely housed by the resiliently deformable tube when engaged with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube. A plurality of removable weights may be provided, each of the removable weights having a different mass. The plurality of removable weights may be made of the same material. The plurality of removable weights may be made of different materials. The plurality of removable weights may be configured to engage with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube in the same way, regardless of the mass of each removable weight. The plurality of removable weights may be colour coded to indicate their mass. The removable weight may include a handle. The handle of the removable weight may be configured to allow a user to engage and or disengage the removable weight with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube.

There may be a removable weight engaged with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube at a first end and second end of the resiliently deformable tube.

The resiliently deformable tube may comprise at least one handle. The handle of the resiliently deformable tube may be an integral part of the resiliently deformable tube. The handle of the resiliently deformable tube may comprise an opening removed from the resiliently deformable tube. The handle may comprise a plurality of openings. The resiliently deformable tube may comprise a substantially tubular outer surface and substantially tubular inner surface. The resiliently deformable tube may be elastomeric. The resilient deformable tube may be a rubber material, for example, neoprene rubber.

The invention according to a second aspect provides a removable weight for use with an exercise device described above.

The invention according to a third aspect provides a resiliently deformable tube for use as an exercise device as described above, the resiliently deformable tube including a formation arranged to engage with a removable weight.

The invention according to a fourth aspect provides a kit of parts comprising a resiliently deformable tube and a weight, wherein the weight is configured to be removably engaged with an inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube by one or more formations. The formations may be on the outer surface of the removable weight or the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube.

The invention according to a fifth aspect provides a method of adjusting the weight of an exercise device, the exercise device comprising a resiliently deformable tube, the method comprising the step of engaging a removable weight with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube, the removable engagement via one or more formations. The formations may be on the outer surface of the removable weight or the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube.

The invention according to a sixth aspect provides a method of adjusting the weight of an exercise device, the exercise device as described above, the method comprising the step of disengaging the removable weight from the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exercise device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a different side of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a resiliently deformable tube according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the resiliently deformable tube shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a removable weight according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows an end view of the removable weight shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows an end view of a removable weight according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows an end view of a removable weight according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 9 to 12 show various exercises that may be performed by a user of an exercise device according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exercise device 10 according to one aspect the invention, comprising a resiliently deformable tube 12 with a longitudinal axis X-X. A plurality of openings 14, 16, 18, define a corresponding plurality of handles 14′, 16′, and 18′. The handles 14′ and 16′ are longitudinally displaced relative to each other, towards the outer ends of the tube 12, and the orientation of the two handles is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube 12. They are spaced such that each handle may be comfortably gripped by a person at the same time, thereby allowing a user to perform exercises while holding the exercise device in both hands. The handle 18′ is located at the approximate centre of the tube 12 and the orientation of the handle is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The handle 18′ may be comfortably gripped by a single hand of a person, thereby allowing a user to perform exercises while holding the exercise device in a single hand. The tube 12 also includes a pair of openings 20. The openings 20 may be used to secure a rope or leash to the exercise device 10, for example to allow the exercise device to be dragged along the ground by a user. A removable weight 26 is shown engaged with the inner surface of the tube 12.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the inner configuration of the tube 12. The outer configuration is not shown for ease of viewing. Each of the outer ends of the inside of the tube 12 include a helical groove 22. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 shows that the helical grooves 22 complete a full circle around the inside of the tube 12. The inside of the tube 12 also includes two stopper elements 24.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a removable weight 26 according to one aspect of the invention. The removable weight 26 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 28. The diameter of the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical body 28 is approximately the same as the diameter of the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube 12. The removable weight 26 includes a projection 30 extending from the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical body 28. The projection 30 is sized and orientated such that it may be received within the groove 22 and rotational motion will cause it to screw into, or out of, the inside of the resiliently deformable tube 12. The removable weight 26 also includes a handle 32 that extends across the hollow centre of the hollow cylindrical body 28. The handle 32 may be used to rotate the removable weight, thus screwing the weight into, or out of, the resiliently deformable tube 12.

In order to prepare the exercise device for use, a user may take a removable weight 26 by the handle 32 and insert it, with rotational motion, into one of the ends of the resiliently deformable tube 12. The projection 30 engages with the helical groove 22 and the removable weight is screwed into the resiliently deformable tube 12 until it abuts the stopper element 24. To balance the weighting of the tube 12, a user may then take a second removable weight and insert it, with rotational motion, into the opposite end of the resiliently deformable tube 12. The engagement of the projection 30 and the groove 22 secures the removable weight in place, allowing the user to perform various exercises with the exercise device 10. In order to improve the engagement between the resiliently deformable tube 12 and the removable weight, the diameter of the hollow cylinder 28 may be very slightly greater than the diameter of the inner section of the resiliently deformable tube. In such an arrangement the resiliently deformable tube may stretch to accommodate the removable weight 26, such that the whole inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube 12 in contact with the hollow cylinder 28 is biased against the removable weight.

If a heavier or lighter exercise device is desired, a user may remove the removable weights 26 and replace them with a different set of removable weights, the replacement weights being heavier or lighter as desired. The removable weights may be varied in thickness or material in order to make them heavier or lighter. The removable weights may be classified by weight by varying colour and/or include a numerical indication of their weight. The removable weights 26 may be made of the same resiliently deformable material as the resiliently deformable tube 12. Alternatively, the removable weights 26 may be substantially rigid. The removable weights may be made of metal. The metal may be covered in a plastic in order to improve how they feel when being handled by a user.

In an alternative embodiment the projection 30 and groove 22 may be reversed, such that the inner surface of the tube comprises a projection and the outer surface of the removable weight comprises a groove.

FIG. 7 shows a removable weight 34 according to an alternative aspect of the invention. The configuration of the removable weight is functionally the same as for FIGS. 5 and 6, though instead of comprising a hollow cylinder, the removable weight has a bow shaped cross-section 36. This configuration does not require the provision of a handle as the user may grip the centre section of the bow in order to provide rotational motion for inserting and removing the removable weight.

FIG. 8 shows a removable weight according to an alternative aspect of the invention. The removable weight 38 comprises a hollow cylinder 40 including a number of spring-loaded protrusions 42. The removable weight 38 also includes means for compressing the spring-loaded protrusions 42 to allow the removable weight to be inserted into a resiliently deformable tube. Once inserted, the spring-loaded protrusions are released and engage with, and are biased against, the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube. In order to remove the removable weight, the spring-loaded protrusions are recompressed and the weight pulled out of the resiliently deformable tube. In this aspect of the invention, the resiliently deformable tube does not require any inner grooves formed in the inner surface of the tube.

FIGS. 9 to 12 show a user 100 performing various exercises with an exercise device 10 according to one aspect of the invention, in some cases using the handles 14′ and 16′, the handle 18′, or a leash connected to an opening 20.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments. 

1. An exercise device comprising: a resiliently deformable tube; and a removable weight; wherein the removable weight is removably engaged with an inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube by one or more formations.
 2. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more formations comprise a screw thread.
 3. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the removable weight includes a projection configured for removable engagement with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube.
 4. An exercise device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube includes a groove arranged to receive and engage with the projection.
 5. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube includes a projection configured for removable engagement with the outer surface of the resiliently deformable tube.
 6. An exercise device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the outer surface of the removable weight includes a groove arranged to receive and engage with the projection.
 7. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable weight is removably engaged with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube by virtue of a rotational motion.
 8. An exercise device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the projection comprises an expander element arranged to bias the projection against the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube.
 9. An exercise device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the expander element is a spring.
 10. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable weight is cylindrical.
 11. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable weight is a hollow cylinder.
 12. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable weight includes a handle.
 13. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of removable weights.
 14. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resiliently deformable tube comprises at least one handle.
 15. A removable weight for use with an exercise device as claimed in claim
 1. 16. A resiliently deformable tube for use as an exercise device as claimed in claim 1, the resiliently deformable tube including a formation arranged to engage with a removable weight.
 17. A kit of parts comprising a resiliently deformable tube and a weight, wherein the weight is configured to be removably engaged with an inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube by one or more formations thereby providing an exercise device as claimed in claim
 1. 18. A method of adjusting the weight of an exercise device, the exercise device comprising a resiliently deformable tube, the method comprising the step of engaging a removable weight with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube, the removable engagement via one or more formations.
 19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the step of engaging a removable weight with the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube comprises screwing the removable weight into the resiliently deformable tube.
 20. A method of adjusting the weight of an exercise device, the exercise device as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising the step of disengaging the removable weight from the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube.
 21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the step of disengaging the removable weight from the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube comprises unscrewing the removable weight from the inner surface of the resiliently deformable tube. 